The Catholic Church in Mbarara has asked the general public to desist from rumours that the diocese has lost three priests.
On Saturday November 28, the diocese issued statement signed by the Diocesan Media Relations Officer, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Mutabaruka, stressing that they have lost two priests but not three as alleged by social media users.
“We have realized that social media is spreading wrong information regarding the death of Priests from the Archdiocese of Mbarara,” said Fr. Mutabaruka.
Fr. Mutabaruka said the two deceased priests are; Fr. Paschal Betunga Rukooko, the Episcopal Vicar of Bushenyi Vicariate, who was buried on Friday November 27 & Rev. Fr. Ireneus Karenzi, the serving priest at St. Kagwa Parish Bushenyi district whose death occurred yesterday November 28.
The remarks comes after social media was a washed with fake news alleging the death of unknown third priest. This according to Fr. Mutabaruka is falsehoods which ought be disregarded.
On Saturday, Mbarara Archdiocese was hit by a double edged sword after receiving the news of untimely death of Fr. Karenzi few hours after the burial of the diocesan Episcopal vicar, Fr. Betunga, which occurred on November 27 at Nyamitanga Hill.
In a document which was seen by Parrotsug, Fr. Mutabaruka said the diocese has set Monday November 30, as the funeral dates for Fr. Karenzi.
He further urged social media users to always verify the source and credibility of the information before it is publicized for consumption.
“While we continue to appreciateyour support in these trying moments, we appeal to you to exercise responsibility in sharing any information that you come across,” saddened Fr. Mutabaruka pleaded.
Earlier on, Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha had released a statement on the Priest’s death and funeral noting that due to the COVID-19 precedents and guidelines, few members will be allowed to attend the funeral while the rest of the flocks follow Funeral Mass on Radio Maria and praying for Fr. Karenzi’s soul at the comfort of their homes.
The Archbishop implored mourners who will attend the funeral at Nyamitanga cathedral to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines especially on wearing of facemasks.
